Fastening device for the waistband of trousers and the like



me/whom' iss R. H. REISS ET AL FASTENING DEVICE FOR THE WAISTBAND OF TROUSERS AND THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheer l Sept. 25, 1951 Filed Nov. 25, 194e -ILVE s -,221

SePf- 25, 1951 R. H. RElss ET AL 2,568,969

FASTENING DEVICE FOR THE WAISTBAND l 0F TROUSERS AND THE LIKE Filed Nov. 25, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 29 y/4 30 we 29 3 www1/tow j Mu@ R. RElss ET AL 2,568,969

Sept. 25, 1951 FASTENING DEVICE F'OR THE WAISTBAND OF TROUSERS AND THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 25, 1946 Paul E. TJ'CLI Patented Sept. 25, 1951 UNITED PATENT OFFICE' FnsrnnIN-d .inni/ion non THE WAISTBAND O F THE LIKE Raymond H. Reiss, New York, N. Y., and Paul R; T; Hahn, Westfield, N. J., assignors to Reiss Manufacturing Corporation, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware.

Apnlintinn November 25, 19%6, .Serial N0, 712,170

Claims. ly

The present invention relates to g arrnents'I such as mens and boys trousers land womens skirts and, more particularly, t0 novel combinations of parts adapted for use in closing certain openings thereof, such as placket ory y openings, andV for .Securing the overlapping ends of, the. inns'tbnnds thereof. The invention also rlatespto" certain novel structural features c f the fastening means DQ? .Se-

" A n object of the invention is to provide an improved .fastening device for the Overlapping ends of the waistbands of trousers, skirts 'and like, which may be engaged and'disenesed Wihsfnat facility, when desired, but which will not become @fastened inadvertently in use Another object of the invention is Vto provide an improved waistband fastener, which cooperates in .n novel manner with. theclosnre mean.S of Van associated openings, so that the closure means, when in operative position performs an additional function in preventing inadvertent vseparation of the fastening means.

vA further object of the linvention is to provide fastening' means for the overlapping ends of waistbands which may be connected and disconnected with greater facility than heretofore, 'when the closure means for an associated lopening is' in the open or in operative positiombut 4which is held inthe interlocked, fastened relation, against accidentalseparation, by the closure means when the latter is closed.

A further object of the inventionis to provide garment fastening devices of simple and inexpensive construction, which may be manufactured in large numbers, expeditiously and with a minimum o f trouble and expense.

A further Objectis to provide devices of the class described which may -be readily attached to garments and whichr are unlikely-to become 1nadvertently removed therefrom, during normal use or in the process of washing,V dl'y cleaning, pressing or the like. Another object of the invention is to provide fastening devices which, if inadvertently-` torn from the garment. may be readily replaced by a sewing operation or the like.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of certain embodiments,- shown-for purposes of illustration in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is an elevational view of a garment. such as a pair of trousers, with the fastening'dvice o f the inventionapplied thereto.

Figure 2 is a horizontalsectional view through a fastener of the type shown in Figure 1 when in operative relation.

Figure 2a is an enlarged-end elevation of the channelmember shown in Figures -1andv2.

Figure 2b is aside elevation. looking'from the right of Figure 2a.

Figure .3. is a vertical sentan on. line. 3-3 .9f Figure 2 but Showing n. modine'd type' of closure for the y opening.

Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view o f oneot a modified form of channel member.

Figure 5 is an elevation ofthe device of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is aplan View of the complemental rib member, shown in Figures 1-3, adapted for eco eration with the channel members of Figures 2q, 2b,4and 5,

Figure 7 is an elevation of the ure 6.`

Figure 8 is an end. elevation. .ofthe kinstellen .Qf Figures 4 and 6, in connected relation, but' r1 ot attached to a garment.

Figure 9 is a side elevation of a modiiiedforrn of fastener member.

Figure 10 is an. end elevation of twosnch. bers, interconnected, but not attached to a garment. t Figure 11 is a side elevational and partial longinldnnl. ventinalsetion nf still another medincation.

Figure 12 is a transverse section, showing. the

device ot Figmember connected to a similar member.

Figure '13 is. n.plan View of a modified .fflnnof channel member. n

Figure 14 is a plan view of a moded form ,of rib member, adaptedtov cooperate therewith'.

Figure 15 isv a transverse View, showing the cooperative lrelation of the members of Figures 13 and 14. I

Figure 16 is a view similar another modification.

Figure 1'7 is a transverse sectional view of another modification, showing the two members in cooperative relation, and attached overlapping garment parts.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of another modiflcation of fastening device and an imperforate backingplate or ban-and Figure 19 is a section of the same applied toa garment. 'I

Referring to Figurerl, a pairof trousers is shown atlfhaving a ilyA opening H o f conventional construction, provided with a closure such as a slide fastener, including rows of -intertting elements l2,` I3, adapted to bev broughtinto and out ofcooperative relation bya slide I4 in the well-known manner. When the slide is in its lowermost position, `the overlapping parts of .the fly. opening are disconnected, whereas, when it is in its uppermost position, the rows of-elements |12 and I3 are in engagement, theV opening-is closed and relative vertical movement between the overlapping parts is prevented. At the y.upper end of the ly opening, there-is a waistband .I6 having overlapping .ends Il -and I8, as is well understood in the garment making art.

In the past, it has been conventional practice t0 provide the-.overlapping ends ofthe-waistband to Figure 1 2-of still devices have been troublesome and ineicient in use, and constitute an appreciable item of cost in the manufacture of the garments. The waistbands of trousers and skirts are subjected to substantial strains in use and to considerable abuse v and frictional wear, due to repeated opening and closing of the adjacent openings. Hence, conventional buttons often become loose and are eventually detached, while the buttonholes become frayed or torn. Similar difficulties are'encountered with hooks and eyes, and even if the latter be mechanically attached by rivets or the like, the transverse movement of the parts, during repeated hooking and unhooking operations, has a tendency to wear out the fabric adjacent thereto.

The presentinvention aims to provide an improved fastening device for the waistband of trousers or skirts, which eliminates all of the diniculties of devices of the prior art. The inven- 4tion provides a fastener which may be readily manipulated, but which will not become accidentally unfastened, in use.

The fastener comprises two members and 2 I,

`secured to the overlapping ends I'I, I8 of the waistband I6. Although the parts may be reversed, it is preferred to have the channel member 20 secured to the outer face of the inner, underlying end I1 and the rib member 2I secured to the inner face of the overlapping end I8. As shown in Figures 2, 2a and 2b, the member 20 comprises a body part 22 having a plurality of prongs 23 formed integrally therewith, adapted be projected through the fabric I1 and laterally turned, to clinch the body part in position.

The body is shaped to provide an elongated vern,tically extending, laterally enlarged channel 24 and an outwardly opening slot 25. The channel open at both ends and the slot is ared laterally and widened adjacent its ends, as at 26, to

vfacilitate the entrance of the rib member 2I 'thereintd The rib member 2l (Figures 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7) comprises a base plate 28 having a plurality of `integral prongs 29, adapted to be turned out- Awardly and projected through the adjacent fabric and clinched rearwardly to secure the detion, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the enlarged rib or bead 30 is restrained against transverse move- -ment with respect to the channel 24 by reason `of the intertting relation of the parts, and the ends of the waistband are securely fastened against lateral separation.

In the use of the device, the rib 3D may be readily inserted into the channel 24 and removed therefrom by relative endwise movement of the parts, when the closure means for the opening II is in the inoperative, open position. The rib or bead 30, thus, may be inserted or removed by either relative upward or downward movement, since both ends of the channel 24 are open. When the closure means for the opening I I is in the operative, closed position, be it a slide fastener of the type shown in Figure 1 or a conventional button and buttonhole arrangement 34, 35 as shown in Figure 3, the overlapping ends of the waistband are restrained against relative vertical movement. That is to say, the closure device which quite flrmly attaches the overlapping garment parts immediately below the waistband, serves to prevent inadvertent vertical movement between the waistband ends. Consequently, relative endwise movement between the channel and rib members is prevented. Hence, accidental disengagement of the fastening members is prevented, as they can be separated by relative endwise movement only. However, when it is desired to disconnect the fastening elements, this may be accomplished by first releasing the closure for the opening II, after which the waistband ends and the fastening members 2!) and 2| may be moved relative to each other in an endwise or vertical direction.

The form of the invention shown in Figures 4-8 is quite similar to that shown in Figures 1-3 and differs therefrom primarily in that the member carrying the channel part or sleeve 20 is formed integrally with a base plate 40. The member may be made of extruded metal and the plate portion stamped or otherwise cut to provide a plurality of prongs 4I and apertures 42. The prongs. of course, are adapted to be turned down to the dotted line position (Figure 5) and projected through the fabric of the garment and clinched rearwardly, as previously explained. The apertures 42 may be employed to receive sewing threads, for attaching the device to a garment, if a clinching tool is not available, or if the prongs 4I have been broken or damaged in use. Thus, if the fastening member becomes accidentally dislodged, it may be re-attached by a tailor or anyone else, by a simple sewing operation.

The channel 24' is open at both ends and is provided with an outwardly opening slot 25', having laterally flaring ends 26'.

The rib member 2l is substantially identical to that shown in Figures 1-3, and includes a base plate 28, prongs 29 and a rib element 30 having rounded or tapered ends 3|, to facilitate entry into the channel 24 or 24. Sewing apertures 43 are provided in the base plate 28 for the purposes previously described.

T he modification shown in Figures 9 and l0, instead of being made of extruded metal or the like, is stamped and bent from a relatively heavy strip of sheet metal, thereby reducing the cost of manufacture. Moreover, in this form of the invention, as well as in the forms shown in Figures 11, 12, 16 and 17, the fastener comprises two substantially identical members. Hence, the expense of providing separate dies and other machinery for the manufacture of the male and female members is eliminated, as only one set of equipment is required to manufacture the two identical parts.

Each stripA of sheet metal 45 is provided with prongs 46, 41 along one or both edges, adapted to be clinched rearwardly to secure the fastener to the garment. The metal is bent and shaped to provide two parallel ribs 4B, 49, and an intermediate inwardly and laterally daring channel 50, parallel to the ribs and open at both ends. The

rib 49 is complemental in cross-sectional shape As shown inv Figures-11, 121and17', the.- two marginalribs 48a, Mia,l 481i;y 49D- maybe -of substantially identical cross-sectional shape, each complemental to `the shapeof-the intermediate channel v59a or Eillb'; Thisarrangement is preferred, so that either rib of-one'lmember may be' inserted into the channel of y they othermem'- ber, and v`viceversa.

In themodiiicati'on shownin Figures'll and 12, the body 52ofF-the'fastener element-is made-'of a mo1ded,plastic mater-ia'lfsueh as -synthetic resin or maaike'. and,v the attaching'ffprongsi ssjinfthe form of metallicv staples are 'embedded in the body,t thereof, during th; moldingfo'peration. Thesefprongsmay-be set' in'tire-'moldl and the plastic material cast about thel upperporti'ons 54 thereofl Thus," the fastening membersAv may be firmly rsecurec'ito the garment'par-tslby `clinching over lthe metal pron'gfs ,`whi1e all of-1`the advantages of-using `plasti'c',-mo1dable material for thebodies are accomplished? AInthe form ofthe VIinventionlshown in Figures L1B-1 5, Athe fastener members are for-'rned'fof extruded metal or molded,'plastic'material1 One member comprises ambase,p1ate155:having`apertures 5'6 for the reception' of sewing fthreads, at-

taching rivets or 'thejlikei Apair of upstanding 'ribs Eil,l 58A have their louter ends turned laterallytoward eachotheryltoprovide a T-s'haped, undereutchannel 5S, 'extending the full length of the member and open'at both ends;

The other member`comprises a base plate 60 havingattaching aperturesl and` a T-shap ed, headedfrib or rail 62,'.taperedat one or both ends 63', adaptedfor receptionin thefchan'riel '59 by relativeendwise movement and restrained against lateral,separationbythe interttingrelation with the wallsthereof.. y

The forr'n of the. invention shownin .Figure 16 is. siiriilar '6,10 `that Shown in liieuresand 10, except that .itv is, formed,fromjextruded Ametal or the like. Eali of the twojmemberspofthe fastening device V,is substantially 'idntioalfto the other, and includes .attaching .prongs ,6.5, a .baseplate 66,.ribs 6.1` and Landa channel'GB; complemental in ,cross-.sectional shape to one of.A .the ribs. As previously explained, the channel .69 adapted to receive the ,rib .B8-:of theLOllhrmer'nben and vice versa.

The form of` theinventionlshown in yFigure 17 isfsimil'ar to .that shown inFi'g'ures 1'1 and l2, and differs therefrom-in vthat each member isa unitary piece, made of extruded metal er the like and havingattachingprones iformed integrally therewith. Av backing platey'l-Z Yhalting `51.0155 '0I' apertures 13 for the.re.ception, of the prongs 'IB maybe employed, ,behind orieorimore. of the lfabric plies of Athe. waistband; therebyeliminating theopossibility"` of the. prongs pullngfoutof the fabric. A bafkngplate of. thistype may, of course, bevused in combination .withany orali forms of the invention). shown and described herein.

As shown in EigureS-.landf 1,9, Ainstead of. using a backing; platefhaving,slotsor apertures 'I3 vformed therein. for the reception; ofprongs 10, la simple flat, bar-like,.imperforateplateJE may be employed, of Substantially the-same .Width4 0f .the space between the two rows of prongs 16, 11 formed aloneihe .eppeste.-edaes of thefasienine device- Theprones.- 1.6, "are preferably ar.- .ranged in staggered `4relationjso that. when they are :turned over, around. the-side., edges ofthe backing plate.-andrunderneathistheeinerthe prongs on one sidewill liefbetween the prongs on the other. The fasteningmemberof'Figuresfl and 19 is preferably stamped andfbent'` from-fa single piece of sheet metal, and includes a pair vof ribs i8, 'I9 having substantiallyv the identical cross-sectional shape, and an intermediate groove or channel 80, ofcomplemental cross-sectional shape. l

When the two .fastenermembers of the forms ofthe invention. shown in Figures .11,y 12,.. 17 .18 and 19 are assembled, yeither rib of one member. may be received snugly inthelintermediate channel of the other, and vice versa. Thus,.with. these forms of the invention, a.double. lock provided. One rib on each member -is firmly engaged, in intertting relation, within va.channelofoomplemental shape in the other member,so. that sepa.-- ration of the parts by transversemovement lis impossible. However,` thefastener members may be readily separatedand re-fastened 'by relative endwise movement, as previously described,v 4in connection with. the form of-.the inventionshown in Figures 1-3. I

It will be understood that, in all ,forms of .the invention, the slide fastenerorthe button closure for the y or placket opening, when in theopera-f tive position, normallyserves tozpreventrelative endwise movement between the parts .and`;inad" vertent separation thereof.'` d

In the accompanyingclaims,.the term .waiste band is used to refer to. the portieriv otthegar ment, such as a pair of trousers, or a skira-surf rounding the waist or adjacent portion of. the

wearers body, and is not to be limitedtofaseparate piece, sewed or. otherwise. attached ltoffthe garment, but includesv constructions..v employing what is known in the tradefas -a` continuous waistband. Conventionally, the waistband. is usually cut from a strip. of: the goods. Where .the trouser legs taper, which would otherwise be wasted. By applying this strip to the uppenend of the trouser legs, a saving in the length lofithe goods is effected, since the trousersrnay bereut 11/2 orA 2 inchesv shorter. The so-called continuous waistband, however, is not a separate band at all, but is simply a continuation of the trouserlegite self, extended upward'to the desired termination,

It must be understood that the term waistband,? in the appended claims, covers both types -of construction.

The invention is not limited to the exact de;` tails of construction shown in the accompanying drawings and described above, but covers all modifications coming within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.`

We claim: l.' The combination with a garment having; a -plack'etor fly opening, a waistband 'terminating in overlapping end portionsat the upper endof said opening and separable closuremeansfor the opening, of a fastener for the overlapping `portions of the waistband, said fastener comprising substantially rigid, vertically elongated members secured in juxtaposed relation, respectively, tothe inner and outer faces of said portions in spaced .relation to the ends thereof, and concealed bythe overlap thereof, each ofthe members being of substantially uniform cross-sectional shape from end to end and having a part complemental :to and interfitting with a part of the other, said parts being shaped for inter-engagement by .rela.

tive endwise movement of the members. only, to be retained. in intertting relation against lateral separation, said members being restrainedagainst relative endwise movement and inadvertent sella?.u

ration by said closure means for the opening, when the latter is in operative relation retaining the. opening closed.

2. The combination `with a garment having a placket or y opening, a waistband terminating in overlapping end portions at the upper end of said opening and closure means for the opening, of a fastener for the overlapping portions of the waistband, said fastener comprising a vertically disposed channel member secured to one of said portions in spaced relation to the end thereof, and a vertically disposed rib member secured to theother end portion in spaced relation to the end thereof, shaped to enter the channel member by endwise movement only andto be retained therein against lateral separation, said members being concealed by the overlap of said waistband end portions, said closure means when closing the opening serving to prevent inadvertent relative vertical movement of the ends of the waistband and endwise movement between the fastener members and consequent inadvertent separation thereof.

3. A garment comprising a waistband terminating in overlapping end portions, a placket or fly opening extending downwardly from the waistband, fastening means for the end portions of the waistband and closure means for the ily opening, said fastening means comprising a pair of members, one member including a base plate, means associated therewith securing the same to one of said portions of the waistband in spaced relation to the end thereof, and an integral, rigid, vertically extending sleeve parallel to the plate disposed outwardly thereof having a narrow continuous slot opening into the interior of the sleeve and having laterally flaring ends, the other member including a base plate, means associated therewith securing the same to the other end of the waistband and a raised, integral rib parallel to the associated plate and of greater transverse thickness than said slot and adapted to be received within said sleeve by relative endwise movement only, to be retained therein against transverse separation, said flaring slot ends facilitating the entrance of the rib into the sleeve said closure means for the opening, when in operative position, comprising means for preventing inadvertent relative vertical movement between the ends of the waistband and inadvertent endwise separation of said members.

4. A garment comprising a waistband terminating in overlapping ends, a placket or fly opening extending downwardly from the waistband,

fastening means for the ends of the waistband and a closure means for the ily opening, said fastening means comprising two members each secured to one of the waistband ends, the members being of substantially identical construction and each comprising a vertically elongated re-entrant channel and an outwardly projecting, transversely enlarged rib parallel thereto and of cross-sectional shape complemental to the crosssectional shape of the channel, whereby the rib of one member may be inserted into the channel of the other by relative endwise movement only, said closure means for the opening comprising means for preventing relative vertical movement between the ends of the waistband and inadvertent relative endwise movement between the members.

5. A garment comprising a waistband terminating in overlapping ends, a placket or fly opening extending downwardly from the waistband, fasteningY means for the ends of the waistband and closuremeans for, the flyopening, said fastening means comprising two members, each secured to one of the ends of thewaistband, the members being of substantially identical construction and each comprising -a pair of elongated outwardly flaring ribs of substantially the same cross-sectional shape and an intermediate, parallel, inwardly flaring channel of complemental cross-sectional shape, whereby one rib of one member may be inserted into the channel of the other and vice versa by relative endwise movement only, said closure means for the opening comprising.4 means forY preventing inadvertent relative verticalmovement between the ends of the waistband and relative endwise movement between the ends ofthe members.

6. A garment comprising a waistband terminating in overlapping ends, a placket or fly opening extending downwardly from the waistband. fastening means for .the ends ofthe waistband and closure means forr the fly opening, said fastening means comprising a member secured to one end of the waistband, lincluding a base plate, and a pair of raised vertically disposed laterally turned ribs providing avertically disposed, laterally flaring, T-section channel, and another member secured to the other end of the waistband includingA a base plate and a raised rib or rail complemental in cross-sectional shape to said channel and adapted for insertion therein and removal therefrom by relative vertical, endwise movement between the members only, said closure means for the opening comprising means for preventing relative vertical movement between the ends of the waistband and inadvertent separation of the members.

7. A fastener comprising two members, adapted to be secured respectively to the inner and outer surfaces of the overlying and underlying end portions, respectively, of overlapping garment parts to be fastened, the members being 'of substantially identical construction and each comprising an elongated base adapted to be secured to one of said surfaces, an elongated inwardly and laterally flaring channel open at both ends, disposed outwardly of said base opposite to the outer surface thereof, and an elongated laterally and outwardly flaring rib parallel thereto and of a cross-sectional shape complemental to the cross-sectional shape of the channel, whereby the rib of one member may be inserted into the channel of the other by'relative endwise movement only, through either of the ends there- 8. A-fastener comprising twol members each adapted to be secured to the surface of one of a pair of overlapping garment Aparts'tovbe fastened, the members being of substantially identical construction, and each comprising a base, prong means carried by said base facilitating securement thereof to one of the parts, an elongated reentrant channel open at both ends, disposed opposite to' and outwardly beyond said base and an elongated outwardly and laterally flaring rib parallel thereto and of across-sectional shape complemental -to thev cross-'sectional-shape of the channel, whereby the rib of one member may be inserted into theV channel of the other by rela'- tive endwise movementthrough either end thereof. -Y

9. A fastener comprising two members each adapted to be secured to the surface of one oi.' a pair of overlapping parts to be fastened, the members being "of substantially` identical construction and eachcomprising a strip of relative.

1y rigid sheet metal, bent and shaped to provide a flat base, a plurality of prongs integral therewith and projecting downwardly therefrom for securing the member to the part, an elongated channel above said base, having a restricted longitudinal slot opening thereinto and open ends, and an elongated outwardly projecting rib parallel to the channel and the base and having a cross-sectional shape complemental to the crosssectional shape of the channel, whereby the rib of one member may be inserted into the channel of the other member by relative endwise movement and vice versa.

10. A fastener comprising two members each adapted to be secured to the surface of one of a pair of overlapping garment parts to be fastened, the members being of substantially identical construction and each comprising a pair of elongated outwardly and laterally flaring ribs of subsantially identical cross-sectional shape and an intermediate, parallel, inwardly and laterally flaring channel of complemental cross-sectional shape, whereby one rib of one member may be inserted into the channel of the other by relative endwise movement and vice versa.

11. The combination with a garment having a waistband terminating in overlapping ends and a placket or fly opening extending downwardly therefrom, of fastening means for the ends of the waistband and closure means for the opening, said fastening means comprising members at the ends of the waistband having vertically elongated intertting parts shaped for interconnection and disconnection by relative vertical movement only, prongs integral with said members extending through at least a portion of the waistband, and a backing plate behind said portion, behind which the prongs are clinched to secure the members to the waistband, said closure means for the opening comprising means for preventing inadvertent vertical movement between the ends of the waistband and the members and inadvertent separation thereof.

l2, The combination with a garment having a waistband terminating in overlapping ends and a placket or ily opening extending downwardly therefrom, of fastening means for the ends of the waistband and closure means for the opening, said fastening means comprising members at the ends of the waistband having vertically elongated interiitting parts shaped for interconnection and disconnection by relative vertical movement only, prongs integral with said members extending through at least a portion of the waistband, and an apertured backing plate behind said portion through which the prongs extend and behind which they are clinched to secure the members to the waistband, said closure means for the opening comprising means for preventing inadvertent vertical movement between the ends of the waistband and the members and inadvertent separation thereof. Y

13. The combination with a garment having a placket or ily opening, a waistband terminating in overlapping end portions at the upper end of said opening and closure means for the opening, of a fastener for said portions of the waistband, said fastener comprising two substantially identical elements, one secured to the outer surface of the underlying waistband portion in spaced relation to the end thereof and the other secured to the inner surface of the overlying portion in similarly spaced relation, each element comprising a relatively rigid unitary sheet metal member shaped to provide a vertically elongated base plate positioned flatwise upon one of said surfaces, a plurality of prongs projecting rearwardly with respect to said plate into the waistband and securing the same in position, a vertically elongated, laterally turned portion providing a headed rib and a vertically elongated re-entrant channel adjacent said rib open at both ends, said rib of one member being shaped to enter the channel of the other member by endwise movement only and to be retained therein against lateral separation, said closure means for lthe placket or ily opening when in its operative position closing the opening, serving to prevent inadvertent relative vertical movement of the end portions of the waistband and relative endwise movement between elements and inadvertent separation thereof.

14. The combination with a garment having a placket or fly opening, a waistband terminating in overlapping end portions at the upper end of said opening and closure means for the opening, of a fastener for said portions of the waistband, said fastener comprising two intertting elements, one secured to the outer surface of the underlying waistband portion in spaced relation to the end thereof and :the other secured to the inner surface of the overlying portion in similarly spaced relation, one of said elements comprising a body shaped to provide a base, a plurality of integral prongs extending from the margins of said base rearwardly therefrom into the waistband portion and securing the same vto the surface thereof, and a vertically extending, laterally enlarged channel, disposed forwardly beyond said base, opening laterally'through a narrow slot in said body, the other element being shaped to provide a base plate, a plurality of integral prongs extending from the margins -thereof rearwardly into the other waistband portion and securing the same to the surface thereof, and an integral, elongated, transversely enlarged, vertically extending rib projecting outwardly beyond the base plate and connected thereto by a plate extension, said rib being adapted to enter the channel of the other element by endwise movement only, with said plate extension disposed in said slot, said closure means for the placket or fly opening when in its operative position, closing the opening, serving to prevent inadvertent relative movement of the end portions of the waistband and relative endwise movement between the fastener elements and inadvertent separation thereof.

15. The combination of claim 14 characterized in that said slot has laterally widened, ared ends to facilitate the entry of the rib and plate extension in the channel and slot, respectively.

RAYMOND H. REISS. PAUL R. T. HAHN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are oi record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,044,686 Osmers Nov. 19, 1912 1,119,222 Baum Dec. l, 1914 1,467,465 Wiedmann Sept. 11, 1923 1,981,813 Schuster Nov. 20, 1934 1,991,561 Krantz Feb. 19, 1935 2,035,674 Sipe Mar. 31, 1936 2,144,755 Freedman Jan. 24, 1939 2,166,092 Galloway July 11, 1939 

